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‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ is a saying which is attributed to Plato, the Greek philosopher. And it is certainly true in these times when there is urgent need of medial equipment to save lives as well as protect healthcare personnel.

Many carmakers have initiated and executed projects to design, engineer and manufacture vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), doing so faster than normal processes would take. They are using their advanced technologies which can speed up the R&D, and their factories to then produce the items.

Ford, for example, is expanding its efforts to design and produce urgently needed medical equipment. In addition to the current production of more than 3 million face shields, the company is also now making powered air-purifying respirators which were designed in-house.

Ford

Gown production
To help further protect healthcare workers, Ford is leading efforts to manufacture reusable gowns with its airbag supplier, Joyson Safety Systems. The go-fast project has created reusable gowns manufactured from material used to make airbags in Ford vehicles.

Production of gowns will reach 75,000 gowns a week by Sunday and scale up to 100,000 gowns for the week of April 19 and beyond. By July 4, Joyson Safety Systems aims to cut and sew 1.3 million gowns which are washable up to 50 times, extending their usage.

Ford

Ford

Ford worked with Beaumont Health in Metro Detroit to quickly design the gown pattern and test for sizing during fit and function trials. More than 5,000 gowns have already been delivered to the hospital.

The new PAPR
Since late March, Ford manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain experts have been embedded at 3M manufacturing facilities to help increase production of urgently needed products. With this additional help, 3M and Ford were able to increase the output of Powered Air Purifying Respirators and N95 respirators at 3M’s U.S.-based manufacturing facilities.

“By working collaboratively with 3M to quickly combine more than 100 years of Ford manufacturing and engineering expertise with personal protection equipment design and expertise, we’re getting much-needed technology into the hands of frontline medical workers to help when they need it most,” said Marcy Fisher, Ford Director, Global Body Exterior and Interior Engineering.

Ford

The newly designed PAPR includes a hood and faceshield to cover healthcare professionals’ heads and shoulders, while a high-efficiency filter system provides a supply of filtered air for up to 8 hours. The air blower system – similar to the fan found in F-150’s ventilated seats – is powered by a rechargeable, portable battery, helping keep the respirator in constant use by first-line defenders.

Ford

Producing globally
Besides the USA, faceshield production is also ongoing globally at Ford facilities in Canada and Thailand and with Ford joint-venture partner Mahindra & Mahindra in India. Ventilator pre-production activities are also underway in the UK, where Ford and an industry consortium are preparing to make ventilators.

Ford is providing manufacturing engineering capability, project leadership, purchasing support and assembly of the ventilators at its Dagenham engine plant. This production will help meet demand for 15,000 ventilators ordered by the U.K. government.

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With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyone, life as we have always known is changing – and many changes may become the ‘new normal’. Many sectors, especially businesses big and small are affected and where taxi drivers are concerned, it is obvious that the Movement Control Order (MCO) which restricts movements of the general public has been devastating.

Greatly reduced demand means less earnings and the government is offering financial assistance under the new economic stimulus package. This is in the form of a one-off payment for taxi drivers (RM600) and e-hailing drivers (RM500).

Valerie Chan, Executive Director of PICK N GO Sdn Bhd, said that this financial aid is a short-term relief for taxi drivers but with MCO extended until April 28, the taxi drivers may not be able to sustain themselves on their own although they are allowed to work.

The 3-year old company, which has a taxi-oriented ride-hailing app launched in 2017, has quickly embraced ICT advancement by allowing their app users to book the ride as a delivery service. This in turn helps business owners and customers to pick up their groceries or essential items from designated locations.

PicknGo

PICKnGO, which connects some 10,000 taxi drivers around Greater Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Melaka, Johor and Penang, has embarked on this new service involving delivery of items. This would provide an additional source of revenue for taxi drivers in these challenging times through their delivery operations. A customer will only need to book a ride through the application and leave a relevant remark at the message section of the app.

“We are also concerned over the widespread transmission of COVID-19 and have advised all our drivers take additional precautions by wearing a facemask while on duty and have hand sanitizers in their vehicle. We also urge passengers to wear a mask while riding in the taxi,” Ms. Chan said.

She added that the taxi drivers are also practicing contactless and cashless payment system though the app to reduce any physical contact. Taxis are listed under essential services, hence they are allowed to move around conveniently to offer their service, she added.

PicknGo

“This would enable a natural progression for taxi companies to keep up with the advancements and the changing business landscape in the current e-hailing landscape which has become further challenging due to the given pandemic,” she said.

Ms Chan also reminded taxi drivers not to give up during this tough period and is hopeful that the public will support and provide an opportunity to taxi drivers by utilising their delivery services. PICKnGO has plans to collaborate with other industry players as well to provide food deliveries and courier services to help taxi drivers sustain in the nearest future.

You can download the PICKnGO app from Google Play or the App Store.

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

The ‘Longtail’ story that began with the McLaren F1 GTR race car in the 1990s and, since 2015, has seen road-legal LT models introduced has a new chapter with the introduction of the new 765LT. Lighter, more powerful and with even higher levels of performance on both road and track, the 765LT is said to be the most dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever from McLaren Automotive.

The LT promise of being ‘limited to the few’ is also fulfilled, with just 765 individually numbered cars available globally for customer order. Deliveries are set to start from September although with the current lockdown situation in the UK, this may be changed.

McLaren

Advanced carbonfibre technologies
Advanced carbonfibre technologies and bespoke carbonfibre LT body panels and aerodynamic features are key to an 80-kg weight reduction over the 720S. Together with power of 765 ps/800 Nm from the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine, transmission gearing optimised for scintillating in-gear acceleration and LT-specific suspension springs and dampers, this is the basis for the wholly immersive driving experience the new 765LT delivers.

McLaren

“The 765LT is the most accomplished and exhilarating LT model ever from McLaren Automotive. Incredible performance and astonishing levels of driver engagement – the result of hundreds of detailed engineering actions undertaken to ensure the purest possible connection between driver and car – are the stand-out attributes of an LT developed with single-minded determination to deliver a wholly immersive driving experience to those who secure one of the 765 available to customer order,” declared Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

Highest levels of driver engagement
The McLaren Super Series chassis dynamics have been further enhanced in the 765LT to provide the ‘communication and feel’ that allow a driver to fully exploit the extreme performance of the car when appropriate, but also enjoy it at lower speeds.

The steering retains McLaren’s distinguished electro-hydraulic assistance but has been further honed with a quicker ratio and a stiffer torsion bar for even purer driver feedback. The state-of-the-art, linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension introduced with the 720S features updates to both software and hardware to meet the dynamic requirements of the 765LT; advances made during the development of the McLaren Senna and Speedtail have seen the suspension system algorithms revised to ensure even greater precision and control.

In comparison to the 720S, front ride height is reduced by 5 mm and the front track is 6 mm wider, changes that together improve both grip and balance. New lightweight main springs feature additional ‘helper’ springs to reduce unsprung mass and maintain load in the suspension on full rebound, while the use of two springs saves weight in comparison with one larger dual-rate spring. Roll stiffness is increased, further enhancing vehicle stability.

McLaren

The aerodynamic performance is key to the abilities of the car on track, but also influences higher-speed road driving behaviours. The extended front splitter and elongated active rear wing work in conjunction with the carbonfibre floor, unique door blades and the extended rear diffuser to deliver aerodynamic downforce 25% greater than that available to a 720S driver, adding a further dimension to already excellent aerodynamic performance.

The new, high-set static position of the ‘Longtail’ active rear wing aids powertrain cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay as well as increasing downforce, while the airbrake functionality reduces dive sensitivity under heavy braking. This allows the front springs to be softer than would be required if they were solely responsible for maintaining the front ride height, which in turn enables improved front axle compliance characteristics, to the benefit on-road driving.

McLaren

Braking performance is immense with latest-generation carbon-ceramic discs, together with calipers from the McLaren Senna. Formula 1-inspired integrated caliper cooling – a technology introduced with 765LT – delivers cooling air to the front calipers and discs, reducing brake pad temperatures by up 50 degrees during track driving and ensuring that both consistency of pedal feel and outright braking performance remain impeccable.

“A McLaren LT really challenges us to push the boundaries of what is possible – especially with regards to weight reduction – and the 765LT is no exception. The 720S is already very light, helped by innovations developed in previous LT programmes, but we have investigated every area of the car to deliver even further savings: ‘helper’ springs in the suspension enable a 1.5- kg reduction, a bespoke lightweight centre tunnel saves 1.4-kg and optional carbonfibre fenders are 1.2kg lighter than the standard panels,” revealed James Warner, Chief Engineer for the 765LT.

McLaren

Carbonfibre interior
The use of carbonfibre throughout the track-focused interior brings further weight-optimisation. The standard lightweight, carbonfibre-shelled racing seats are a combined 18 kgs lighter than the 720S sports seats. The central tunnel of carbon composite material has a panel thickness of just 0.8 mm. More weight reduction is possible by specifying even more carbonfibre options from the MSO Defined range developed by McLaren Special Operations.

The primary hub in the 765LT for driver convenience, comfort and connectivity functions – including McLaren Track Telemetry – is an 8.0-inch, high-resolution Central Infotainment Screen that works in conjunction with a Folding Driver Display to provide an integrated driver information platform.

McLaren

The Folding Driver Display and Central Infotainment Screen surrounds are available in carbonfibre to complement the finish of the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround.

The 765LT is not a car for those wanting to keep a low profile and the standard colour choices reflect this. There are 17 exterior paint colours, including two – Nardo Orange and Smoked White – unique to the new LT. Of course, a customer can also specify a personal choice of colour which MSO Bespoke commission will provide.

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These are stressful times for many people all over the world with uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. There are concerns about personal health, employment and other issues.

Those who own a Kia vehicle will be pleased to know that the manufacturer of your vehicle wants to do something to help. And the way Kia Motors Corporation will help is to offer the ‘Kia Promise’, a global warranty extension program.

The Kia Promise is designed to support Kia customers whose movements may be limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be offered in 142 countries – including Malaysia – for all vehicles with original Kia warranties that are to expire between February 1 and April 30, 2020.

With the Kia Promise, the warranty of all eligible vehicles will be extended to June 30, 2020. The carmaker believes that more than 500,000 customers worldwide could benefit from this extension.

Kia Grand Carnival
Kia models purchased from authorised dealerships in Malaysia qualify for the warranty extension.

With many countries and businesses taking precautionary measures to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kia Promise aims to help customers who may be unable to visit a workshop during this time due to regulations restricting movements. The program also helps customers who are not able to bring their car in for servicing.

“By extending Kia’s comprehensive warranty cover to customers who may be affected by the pandemic, Kia Motors hopes they have one less thing to worry about during this time. Our goal is to help to alleviate any concerns our customers have about vehicle maintenance during periods of social distancing,” said Sangdae Kim, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Customer Experience Division at Kia Motors Corporation,

Prioritizing the safety, health and well-being of its customers, business partners and employees, Kia Motors continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments in communities where it does business. The company continuously strives to prevent infections at its facilities while working with government and local authorities, complying with all standards set by those entities.

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

23 years ago, Lexus introduced a new model which created a premium SUV class. It was known as the RX and in Japan, the same model was also sold as a Harrier under the Toyota brand (probably because Lexus was not sold in Japan yet). For the generations that followed, the Lexus and Toyota models were essentially similar until 2013 when they separated and the Harrier became an independent development.

Toyota Harrier generations (1)
The first two generations of the Harrier were similar to the Lexus RX but the most recent one (right) was an independent development.

The Harrier name and product had built up a strong reputation, even outside Japan and was a very popular parallel import in many countries, including Malaysia. Initially a JDM (Japan Domestic Market) model, its popularity eventually led to UMW Toyota Motor deciding to officially sell it in Malaysia from 2017.

Now comes a new Harrier, to be launched in Japan in June 2020, which is said to ‘go beyond the SUV category to offer new value as ‘a life-enriching partner’. Like its predecessors, it offers the same high quality in design and engineering.

2020 Toyota Harrier

2020 Toyota Harrier

The new Harrier has a front view that emphasizes sharp styling with fluid proportions through the continuity of lines flowing from the front upper grill through to the headlamps. The headlamps (with double-L DRLs) indicate individuality and technical advancement while enabling easy identification from a distance.

The narrowed coupe cabin has sportscar-like wheel housings extending from both sides of the body. Light from a thin, sharp line of tail lamps and stop lamps gives it an overwhelming sense of presence.

2020 Toyota Harrier

2020 Toyota Harrier

2020 Toyota Harrier

TNGA platform
The new Harrier uses the TNGA (GA-K) platform for its basic structure. This creates a highly rigid body with a low centre of gravity, enhancing both ride comfort and driving performance with a focus on driver sensitivity.

The suspension system uses MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone set-up at the rear. The front and rear suspension geometry has also been optimized to produce a well-balanced rigid body. Through thorough tuning and testing, Toyota engineers aimed to provide a ride that is both solid and graceful.

To improve steering convergence in the new Harrier, the shock absorbers have a smooth pedal stroke even in very low speed ranges are used. This enables the driver to feel the tyres gripping the road, achieving a high level of sensitivity.

2020 Toyota Harrier

The TNGA platform brings with it the latest all-new Dynamic Force Engines (2.5 litres and 2.0 litres) and Direct Shift-CVT. Customers can also choose the continually evolving Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), which expands the options available more than ever. Drivetrains are AWD or 2WD as well as E-Four with the Harrier Hybrid.

Toyota Safety Sense
The new Harrier comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which employs a pre-collision safety system that detects pedestrians during the day and at night, as well as cyclists during the day. TSS includes Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes (Stationary Objects) that helps reduce and/or mitigate damage from collisions during low-speed driving in parking lots, etc.

There is also a Digital Inner Mirror, used for the first time by Toyota, which enables recording of images to the front and rear of the vehicle while driving. The hybrid variant features a 100-volt (AC)/1,500-watt accessory power outlet. This not only allows the use of electrical products using the same electrical outlets found in the home, but also enables the SUV to be used as a power generator during blackouts and other times of emergency.

2020 Toyota Harrier

Ruggedness and individuality
The interior employs tactile synthetic leather to create the image of a natural-looking silhouette wrapped in thick leather, and bentwood-inspired wood tones and piping throughout, presenting a casual air of quality.

2020 Toyota Harrier

A panorama roof, used for the first time by Toyota, is equipped with electric shades and electro-chromatic windows. When the windows are dimmed, soft light penetrates the cabin. Low-contrast browns, greys, and blacks are used to create a calming atmosphere that is both chic and mature.

The centre console presents a wide and imposing impression of a horse’s saddle. It combines with an instrument panel set within the edges of the ‘saddle’ to present a generous ruggedness with an emphasis on individuality.

Covid-19
Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.

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BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

Proton has never had a convertible model in its range but 20 years ago, it built one as a concept study based on the Satria. The model was displayed in Germany as well as China, besides the 2001 KL International Motor Show. Although there was positive response, Proton did not go on to develop it as a production model.

Proton Convertible

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